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Panic has gripped residents in Asaba, the Delta State capital, following a bloody attack on supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a rally for Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso on Saturday.
Multiple reports say one person was confirmed dead, five others injured, over 30 vehicles smashed, and more than 10 persons left bleeding on Nnebisi Road.
But 24 hours after the violence, the Delta State Government, the camp of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and the Delta APC Campaign Council are trading blames over who sponsored the thugs.
Omo-Agege’s office, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, yesterday, alleged that the rally, organised by the Obidient/OK Movement, was peaceful for about 20 minutes before armed thugs descended on unarmed campaigners.
The statement alleged that the attack was organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force / Revenue Collector, Chief Uche Ndu-Okafor, allegedly acting for elements in the Delta State Government and the Delta State APC.
Omo-Agege listed the injured persons to include the State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure, Mr. Akpovegho Noah, Mrs. Ifeoma Enuagwuna, Clinton Ossai, Mr. Obiora Anaekwe, Emmanuel Ngene, Ikechukwu Michael and others.
He demanded that the Police identify the deceased, explain how he died, and prosecute everyone who organised and sponsored the attack.
He also listed what he described as previous attacks on his supporters saying that in August 13, Usiefrun, Ughelli South six persons were allegedly injured, August 21, Uvwie – over 50 armed men allegedly stormed and destroyed venue for his campaign meeting while September 18, Warri/Effurun – over 100 were allegedly injured during One Million-Man March for Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the NDC governorship candidate in the state.
Omo-Agege further claimed that one Collins Ogumashe, aka “Black Moses”, was arrested by citizens with an AK-47 during the September incident, handed to police, but released same day without charges. Police have not confirmed his claim.
The former Deputy Senate President of the 9th Senate, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to “stop the attacks, stop shielding thugs” and ensure protection for opposition supporters.
He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Governor to order, and on the Inspector-General of Police and Director-General of the DSS to arrest and prosecute everyone involved.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will not hand Delta over to thugs. A New Nigeria is Possible. A Reset Delta Cannot Wait,” the statement added.
But the Delta State APC Campaign Council, in a statement by the Chairman of the Media Committee, Hon. Charles Aniagwu, on Sunday, strongly condemned the violence and demanded an impartial investigation.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased, those injured and everyone affected… No political ambition or disagreement is worth the life of any citizen,” Aniagwu said.
The Council insisted that from the inauguration of the APC Campaign Council, its leadership made an unequivocal commitment to peaceful, responsible and issue-based campaigns.
It called on the Delta State Police Command to undertake a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation and bring anyone found culpable, including any sponsors or instigators, to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command said it had warned organisers against a road procession after intelligence of likely violence.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command said organisers were invited to a security meeting, briefed on threats, and advised to use a designated venue where security would be provided. They allegedly ignored the advice.
The Police said at about 12:15pm, violence erupted along Nnebisi Road, leaving one dead and five injured. The identities of the victims are yet to be ascertained.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the violence and advised all parties to avoid road processions and liaise with the Police ahead of any gathering.
Investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.
